NY aims to help women dealing with maternal depression

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- New York state is launching a new effort to help women struggling with maternal depression.

Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration announced Thursday that the state will require insurers to cover maternal depression screenings.

In addition, the state's Department of Health and the Office of Mental Health will create a new public awareness campaign to help women and their loved ones spot the signs of maternal depression and learn about ways to seek help.

The state also plans to open the first of several new outpatient programs for mothers this month.

Planned Parenthood hailed the state's move, saying in a statement that too many mothers with depression suffer in silence because of social stigma and a lack of available services.